Every great journey begins with a first step, and the visionaries who built the League recognized that the first steps toward educational excellence must begin early. Academic competition for younger students was a part of the UIL program almost from the beginning, with the first junior division Declamation contest for students aged 10-14 in 1913. The first competition for students under age 10 was Spelling, which began a sub-junior division in 1921.
The program of academic competition for elementary, middle school and junior high officially became "A+ Academics" in 2008. A+ Academics includes 20 different events for grades 2-8. These events span the curriculum - they are designed to complement and expand upon what students learn in the classroom, both through learning specific subject knowledge, and through learning skills that are valuable in many disciplines. Approximately 3,000 Texas schools participate in A+ Academics, competing in more than 350 district meets each year.
A+ Academics is available to UIL member campuses, and programs are created and organized locally. Campuses align themselves into competing districts with a district competition being the culminating event.
Updates and Frequently Requested Information
- A+ Art Smart Bulletin is posted
- A+ Spelling Booklet for 2024-25 is posted
- A+ Music Memory List for 2024-25 is posted
- A+ Art List for 2023-24 and 2024-25 is posted
- UIL A+ Academics and TEKS Correlations
- A+ Frequently Asked Questions
- A+ One-Act Play for Junior High - Handbook and Information
- Visit the A+ Chess Puzzle page for study and practice resources.
A+ Resources to Share
Click HERE to email any contest or practice A+ material that you would like to share with A+ UIL coaches and coordinators. Shared materials are available here.
A+ Academics News & Updates
A+ district materials for December to go out next week
A+ district materials will go out to schools before Thanksgiving break. Meet directors can look forward to receiving materials soon. A huge thank you goes out to Deborah at CSI Printing as well as the UIL mailroom staff for helping to get these materials to you on time.
Mesquite ISD’s A+ Promotional Video
Check out this amazing promotional video highlighting all the exciting A+ opportunities at Mesquite ISD
A+ Middle School Debate
Do you have students interested in learning debate? If so, the UIL high school debate page has resources to help provide CX Debate to your middle school students!
A+ Middle School Theatrical Design Pilot
Is your campus interested in the A+ Theatrical Design pilot? If so, let us know!
A+ Middle School Theatrical Design Pilot
The Legislative Council has authorized the UIL to conduct a Theatrical Design pilot for the 2024-25 school year. Information about this exciting event is found here!
A+ campus RegistratION
2024-2025
Each A+ participating school must register with the UIL state office each year. A+ Handbooks will be emailed to coordinators once their registration is processed.
A+ DISTRICT MEET ORDER FORM
2024-2025
If you are hosting a district meet, submit this form to register your meet with our office and to request your meet materials.